When Oasis announced their split in August 2009, few people raised their eyebrows. The Gallagher brothers had been openly at each other’s throats for years. Perhaps of more surprise, was that it hadn’t happened sooner. The fall-out was predictably acrimonious, with Liam blaming Noel and Noel blaming Liam. Oasis fans were despondent and many felt it was the end of the road. However, two years later, 4 of the original band members are still together, making music that sounds oddly familiar; essentially, Oasis still exists, moving seamlessly on without the older Gallagher. Beady Eye, comprising Liam on lead vocals, Andy Bell, Chris Sharrock and Gem Archer, are back writing, playing and touring.

Their first album, ‘Different Gear, Still Speeding’, although yet to receive the acclaim of early Oasis albums, is a credible debut album, peaking at number 3 in the UK charts and 31 in the US charts. Unsurprisingly, the sound is not that different to Oasis. What is rather more surprising is that Noel’s claims to be the only one who could write music are looking a little foolish. True, it’s not as good as ‘Definitely Maybe’, but it is as good as some of the later Oasis albums.